Rosh Hashanah traditionally sees thousands of Chasidic men and boys - and a few women - travel to Uman in Ukraine, site of the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov.

There to photograph them on many occasions is the Italian photographer Gianluca Cecere. He is not religious himself but is fascinated by those with faither - and has befriended many Charedim, who ask for copies of his pictures.

This year pilgrims have been warned not to come because of the dangers while Russia attacks Ukraine. But reports suggest thousands are travelling to the region from Israel and America.

Last week an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed on Israeli public television the Russia planned to attack the visitors - a claim Russia denies.

Cecere's pictures, published in the JC's RH magazine, sum up the tranquillity and joy of previous pilgrimages. He hopes that life will one day return to normal in the region.

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A three year old boy has his first haircut (Photo: Gianluca Cecere)

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Praying on pilgrimage (photo: GIanluca Cecere)

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Blowing the shofar (Photo: Gianluca Cecere)

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Pilgrims gather together (Photo: Gianluca Cecere)

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Two friends on pilgrimage (Photo: Gianluca Cecere)

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An impromptu dance in the rain (Photo: Gianluca Cecere)

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Uman (Photo: Gianluca Cecere)

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A pilgrim at prayer, Uman (Photo Gianluca Cecere)

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This year people have been asked to stay away from Uman (Photo: Gianluca Cecere)

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Outside Uman (Photo: Gianluca Cecere)

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Only a few women go on the pilgrimage to Uman (Photo: Gianluca Cecere)

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The annual pilgrimage to Uman (Photo: Gianluca Cecere)

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Boys play on swings, Uman (Photo: Gianluca Cecere)